Statement following the meeting of President Barroso with Mr Rossen Plevneliev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria

President Barroso met this afternoon with the President of Bulgaria, Rossen Plevneliev to discuss next week's European Council and the current political situation in Bulgaria following the resignation of the Government.

President Barroso underlined the importance of the forthcoming European Council as an opportunity for Heads of State and Government to concentrate on the priorities of restoring competitiveness and tackling the unacceptable levels of unemployment.

President Plevneliev updated the President of the European Commission on the situation in the country and his actions to uphold the constitutional process following the resignation of the Government. President Barroso expressed his hope that a stable and fully operational government can be established as soon as possible following the early elections on the 12 May 2013. President Barroso welcomed President Plevneliev's commitment to respond to the concerns expressed by Bulgarian citizens and to ensure stability in the full respect of the constitutional process and democratic values.